You've Forgotten Fridge-Freezer: 10 Reasons Why You No Longer Need It
A Guide to Buying a Fridge Freezer
A fridge freezer can help you keep healthy meals on hand, and also keeps leftovers fresher for a longer period of time. Many fridge-freezers have smart features.
When choosing a refrigerator-freezer energy efficiency is a crucial factor. The kWh figure is on the energy label and tells you the amount of electricity consumed per year.
Quick-chill & fast-freeze functions
There are many fridge freezers on the market with additional functions that help you keep your food fresher for longer. Certain models can increase your energy efficiency or save you time and effort, however others are more affluent. So if you're looking to buy one, consider how much each feature will cost to the price and whether it can make a difference in your lifestyle prior to making your decision.
Quick-chill can give you an increase in cooling power, allowing you can quickly chill food to safe temperatures. This helps to stop harmful bacteria from growing and keeps nutrients in. It's useful if you frequently make a large grocery purchase and require food storage quickly.
Certain fridge freezers come with a fast-freeze function that allows you to freeze food items at a lower temperature than normal, which helps them retain their texture and quality after they're frozen. This is particularly useful when there are a lot foods to store in the freezer, like after a large dinner party. Keep in small fridge freezer that freezing food below 0°C can affect the taste and nutritional value.
Certain models come with a cold accumulation block that stores ice in the freezer to help the appliance maintain its temperature if there's a power cut. Some models have an spout for drainage that can be removed to drain melted food spills and ice.
Ice-cube tray
Ice-cube trays have long been an essential part of every fridge. They are ideal for storing leftover soups, sauces, buttermilk, and juices. You can freeze small quantities of herbs to use in a later meal.
Not all ice cube trays are the same. Some are made of hard plastic that is prone to fracture and break when you try to extract the cubes. There are many durable options available that don't require you to bang and twist the ice cubes.
Another aspect to consider is how quickly the ice cube tray can be frozen. The smaller the surface of the tray, the quicker it will freeze. A tray that has compartments for every cube will also freeze faster than one that has the dividers.
You can choose from a range of shapes and sizes available on the market. For example larger ice cubes are ideal for cocktails since they melt more slowly and don't make the drink more diluted. Cocktail enthusiasts are increasingly drawn to spheres.
The set of four ice-cube tray from OMorc includes a silicone lid which seals tightly and helps keep freezer odors at the bay. It comes with a handy handle that makes it easy to stack and transport. It can produce 14 ice cubes, and the base is rounded to allow for easy removal. It's also BPA-free and dishwasher-safe. The trays are easy to grip and can be frozen flat to stop cracking when moving from the sink to the freezer. They can also be stacked in the bin included to make it easy to store them.
Aesthetics
Unlike their freestanding counterparts, fridge freezers aren't just functional appliances. They can be stylish as well. From polished steel finishes to modern, sleek designs inspired by the 1950s, there's fridge freezers to fit every kitchen.
A lot of fridge freezers have bottle racks that allow you to store bottles away safely. The racks prevent bottles from slipping off shelves, taking up valuable space, and causing them to break or crack.
There are fridge freezers available in a variety of bold chromatic finishings, such as SMEG FAB32's bright chrome finish. This adds a modern spin to a classic style, and is in line with the latest trends that play around with texture and materials.
Integrated fridge-freezers are great for those who prefer sleek design, since they can be concealed behind cabinet doors, and blend in seamlessly with their interior decor. They're also ideal for those with small kitchens and open-plan living spaces as they can help maximize space and provide a neat and tidy appearance.
Energy efficiency
It is crucial to be energy efficient since fridges are in use all the time and consume lots of energy. If you select an energy efficient fridge-freezer then it will save you money on your electric bill and reduce carbon emissions. It is also worth checking your current fridge's energy usage because it will give you an idea of how much it might cost to run. You can check this using a plug-in energy meter or by checking the cost per kWh from your electricity provider.
The labels for appliances' energy consumption show how much electricity each appliance consumes each year, and how it compares to similar appliances. The most efficient appliances have an A or higher rating. If you are considering purchasing a refrigerator or freezer, check the yellow Energy Guide label which gives you an estimate of your annual operating costs and allows you to determine the energy efficiency of similar refrigerators.
There are ways to reduce the expense of running your fridge freezer. By leaving space between the shelves and the food, cold air can circulate more easily. This will require less energy. This will also prevent condensation which is a major energy hog.
If you're looking for a small fridge that will fit into any space, this Energy Star-rated model from Frigidaire could be a great choice. It's a little more costly than other models, but it's easy on your power costs and comes in white, black and a glossy finish that looks like stainless steel, but doesn't show fingerprints or smudges. It's also ideal for break rooms, offices and dorm rooms.